Depersonalization

Why is this feeling appealing?

Why do we cling to anonymity behind the screens of our desktops, laptops, and cell phones? Why do we share some of the deepest parts of ourselves, our views, our lives, in a space that cannot come close to capturing all that we can communicate? Our body language, the way our voice sounds and modulates through a sentence, the micro expressions and that special look in the eye are vacant when you read my words on a screen. But even with all of that lacking, I have expressed my most deepest self through digital conversations I've had with friends. Why do many hold this level of comfort with our computers and lack it in face to face conversation?

There are a couple reasons that I've come up with that I think get to the bottom of it.

-I am more willing to say something risky, deeper, more emotional, when I've had time to think it through. When I write this blog post or I text something to a friend, I can stop and think about each word, and analyze how that word helps to convey what I'm truly thinking. I often write and edit text messages or sentences in my blog posts. While I do that less often with Instant Messages, I can still pause if I've got something serious to ponder, and that time advantage allows me to find just the right words to use to express myself while minimizing risk.

-Less avenues of expression means fewer chances to accidentally express something I'm trying to hide. This can apply to a lot of different scenarios: You just told me you beat my score in an Orcs Must Die level, and although my competitive side wants to show anger, I want to be a good sport. Or maybe he just told you about his new girlfriend, and you really like him and don't want him to see you're crying while you tell him how happy you are for him. Your face may not lie as well as your words can in some situations, and expressing how you really feel can put you in a vulnerable position. I think that the fear of that alone draws people to digital communication.

I think I could come up with many more reasons for why people are drawn to digital forms of communication. 

I'll probably write more on this later.

I am Gomez

I wonder what it feels like to be Phil Fish right now. I wonder what it feels like to have this piece of work, this summation and extension of you and your identity, out and open to the world.

I think he might be afraid.

But if Phil knew me, knew about how deeply someone could experience Fez, appreciate all of its minute and intricate details, I think he would feel relieved. So, Phil, if you're reading this, I just want you to know that this is my way of telling you how much I appreciate the time and effort you put into this game. Fez is by far the most beautiful game I have ever played. Thank you.